I'm a 75 year old amateur piano player and never heard this piece until a few months ago. It was played at the proper tempo - SLOWLY -- and I was astonished at the simple beauty of the melody. It reminded me of the beautiful SLOW works of some of the masters such as Clair de Lune, Liebestraum, Tramurai, Schubert's Impromptu #3, et. al. It never occurred to me that Scott Joplin could write anything very poignant ...but here it is. I've memorized it by now, and every time I play it, I discover some different nuances. This performance on guitar is wonderful. I know nothing about guitar (except that I believe Tommy Emmanuel to be the greatest guitarist ever). However, this man captured everything needed to appreciate this simple composition ...which isn't quite as simple as it sounds! I loved every second of this.
If only modern pianists took a cue from you and performed rags (especially Joplin's) at a nice laidback tempo! So many are apparently trying to impress each other by thrashing them out at lightning speed. Joplin himself warned that ragtime should never ever be played fast.
Keep in mind that playing fast means north of 120 beats per minute. Just as you shouldn't play too fast, you shouldn't play too slowly. It's actually more common now to see people playing too slowly than too fast because you all have the incorrect idea that "ragtime should never be played fast" means to play slowly.
Ragtime shouldn't be played fast. But it also shouldn't be played too dynamically. Many slow players tend to suffer from this. Not this guy but a lot of people do.
Thank, Paul! I'm honored. Those wrong notes that I'm playing go way back to my first learning this piece some 20 years ago. Once I get a wrong read stuck in my ear, it just kind of lingers... I should re-do this. A number of people have expressed interest in seeing your arrangements published again. I used to play the "Maple Leaf" and "The Entertainer" all those years ago from your arrangements. thanks for watching and commenting!!!
Outstanding rendition. You hold all of the notes just long enough and keep the notes ringing and the song moving. I'm learning the Ton Engel arrangement right now, but I really like this one by Lolax too. And you knocked it out of the park with your performance. Relaxed, with a bit of light swing, all very musical. Great job.
Very nicely done, good job. Not sure why, but this video reminded me of times when I used to sit around and listen to my dad play guitar. Thanks for bringing back memories. Lovely song too. =]
Good points. I have been playing guitar for what seems like my whole life and have found both fretboard work and plucking/struming/picking to be so tricky thatI have concluded that the really great players must have been and must be ambidextrous to a great extent.
100% w Vesuvius: every writer wants to be interpreted across instruments, decades, cultures and so on. Thought I got one over on you posting The Entertainer but here you are putting me in my place with undebatable prowess! And yet I love my agony!
GREATTT Performance! You inspired me!Thanx!! Superb playingtechnique en most important..great feel!!!(missing factor with many other musicians)Keep on going!! edochio1967
Great performance, apart from the C# in the introduction. I have become a fan of Troubleclef. Really inspiring, he had me retake fingerstyle guitar. Keep it up!
How are you now? It's been 8 years since I've seen this, I also like your Channel art that's my and my best friend's favorite tree/flower. Hope you're doing well amidst the pandemic. Wish you the best!
excenlent playing man very fluid style you got there that is very har with that song in particular... hey were can i found that transcription i liked it a lot please tell me man
Ah! I read it wrong. In the guitar score I have (key of G), the initial C# (opening 3 notes are d, c#, d) is never 'naturalled out' again...so one is supposed to realize that that means that all later notes in the c place on the staff are to be played in their rightful place in the key. I do that in the body of the piece but for the duration of the intro I must have thought that c# stays put. Just bad larnin'. Actual playing it right makes the passage easier, so THANKS again! cheers.
Wonderful rendition, as is the case with all of your videos! Have you considered playing Joplin's "A Real Slow Drag" or Joseph Lamb's "Ragtime Nightingale"? Both of those pieces sound fantastic on guitar and, surprisingly, few people have posted versions of them to RUclips. I'd love to hear your renditions.
I have only recently begun to listen to the music you have been playing and I must say I love it. Your selection is beyond perfection and your playing is gorgeous. You are a great inspiration to those of us who are just learning how to play this wonderful instrument. Do my ears deceive me or is this song in drop D tuning?
Your right hand looks so relaxed on these -- did you study classical guitar or something? I'm waiting for some new videos from you! They're great inspiration for my own practice regimen. Thanks...
@MrSuppedraken It's from a book of arrangements by Paul Lolax. You might check with him if he has any copies. RUclips username "plolax". cheers. thanks.
Only problem is the intro, no big deal, awesome playing! I would've played this a bit faster but it sounds like a ballad at this tempo which is an interesting sound!
First of all, this is a really nice version of this Joplin work. Secondly, Joplin would never have played it like this. This version is more like how Jelly Roll Morton would have played it, laying way back in the measure and "jazzing" it. But, as I said, its a fine version of the tune. Have you tried "Solace"? Because it's a "Tango" it seems especially suited to the guitar.
thanks. oh, absolutely, this is in no way a representation of proper ragtime. It's in swingtime, after all. I do this on this piece and on Heliotrope Bouquet (also posted here) because it works well and is not unheard of for a few of Joplin's things. I've never played Solace (don't have the music). I've been working on Gladiolus Rag.
I'm a 75 year old amateur piano player and never heard this piece until a few months ago. It was played at the proper tempo - SLOWLY -- and I was astonished at the simple beauty of the melody. It reminded me of the beautiful SLOW works of some of the masters such as Clair de Lune, Liebestraum, Tramurai, Schubert's Impromptu #3, et. al. It never occurred to me that Scott Joplin could write anything very poignant ...but here it is. I've memorized it by now, and every time I play it, I discover some different nuances. This performance on guitar is wonderful. I know nothing about guitar (except that I believe Tommy Emmanuel to be the greatest guitarist ever). However, this man captured everything needed to appreciate this simple composition ...which isn't quite as simple as it sounds! I loved every second of this.
If only modern pianists took a cue from you and performed rags (especially Joplin's) at a nice laidback tempo! So many are apparently trying to impress each other by thrashing them out at lightning speed. Joplin himself warned that ragtime should never ever be played fast.
Keep in mind that playing fast means north of 120 beats per minute. Just as you shouldn't play too fast, you shouldn't play too slowly. It's actually more common now to see people playing too slowly than too fast because you all have the incorrect idea that "ragtime should never be played fast" means to play slowly.
Ragtime shouldn't be played fast. But it also shouldn't be played too dynamically. Many slow players tend to suffer from this. Not this guy but a lot of people do.
totally agree! tempo is everything in this song.
"It is never right to play ragtime fast.” -- Scott Joplin
It's not good to play too fast with the purpose of showing off, but faster can sometimes sound better or even change the mood of the piece entirely
Very nice! This was the first time I have ever heard Joplin on a guitar after decades of listening on piano. Thank you!
This is the main reason why I started playing ragtime on my piano. Thanks!
I've been listening to tis version for a good ten years at least, best version I ever heard, beautiful my man
Thank, Paul! I'm honored. Those wrong notes that I'm playing go way back to my first learning this piece some 20 years ago. Once I get a wrong read stuck in my ear, it just kind of lingers... I should re-do this.
A number of people have expressed interest in seeing your arrangements published again.
I used to play the "Maple Leaf" and "The Entertainer" all those years ago from your arrangements.
thanks for watching and commenting!!!
Outstanding rendition. You hold all of the notes just long enough and keep the notes ringing and the song moving. I'm learning the Ton Engel arrangement right now, but I really like this one by Lolax too. And you knocked it out of the park with your performance. Relaxed, with a bit of light swing, all very musical. Great job.
thanks
Fabulous finger technique, a true joy to be inspired by as a beginner with no bad habits yet. Thank you Sir!
Well done. I have watched this several dozen times. This is one of my favorite Joplin songs.
Again wonderful ragtime picking on that gorgeous Martin guitar. Very well played. This is music.
Reminiscent of a 1920's bicycle ride, along a country lane, on a lazy summers eve. Tremendous!!
How relaxed. Just floating into the air!!! Well done !!
a well played bass line makes all the difference in the world...sounds great!!! you inspire me to practice more and more!
Sweet interpretation; nice feeling. You gave it a little swing, which I never considered.
Nice! Clean and very pretty rendition. I hope your well and still crankin out these SJ tunes. They are my favs
i could give my legs to be able to play like this!!! Its so beautiful!
There's troubleclef's videos...and then there's everybody else...absolutely beautiful.
Loved that! Thanks for uploading
one of my favorite Joplin tunes. superb guitar arrangement!
Great Song. Your playing is really impressive. Thanks for the large number of videos. Please keep them coming!
76 videos and counting!! Excellent again.
Ouch that's jaw dropping good. You make it look oh so easy & all from memory as well. I'll pack up tryin now!Well played & most enjoyable.
Yes! Everything about this is right: tempo, tone, and timing. You're brilliant.
Smooth, relaxing, beautifully played....
Very nicely done, good job. Not sure why, but this video reminded me of times when I used to sit around and listen to my dad play guitar. Thanks for bringing back memories. Lovely song too. =]
素晴らしい！！
近所に住んでいたら習いたい！が、遠すぎますね…このアレンジ好きです。
BRAVO 👏!! I’m a fan! I like to play ragtime in an upbeat tempo, but I LOVE this laidback, calm version. ❤️
Enjoyed it special, love the ease of it Thanks for the precious tune! You get a terrifc sound out of that guitar!
hey troubleclef i just wanted to let you know that i'm one of your biggest fans and that you are a great permformer, a true inspirantion...
Great sounding guitar and great playing! So clean and smooth!
Beautiful! I imagine it must be quite addicting to be able to play like this... :)
thanks. i don't know either of those. i'll check them out. really must do more Joplin eventually.
Too marvelous for words!
Beautiful! You do Joplin such great justice!
Good points. I have been playing guitar for what seems like my whole life and have found both fretboard work and plucking/struming/picking to be so tricky thatI have concluded that the really great players must have been and must be ambidextrous to a great extent.
Bravo! That was 5:48 of pure bliss. Thank you.
Gracias viejo por existir!!
Love it, i studied this when i was a kid! I must have that book somewhere! Thanks for reminding me! Great playing!!
very smooth playing...love the way you make your beautiful guitar sound!!all the best
I've been lokking forward to this since Heliotrope. You have great taste. Thank you!
my dream is that someday i could play 50% that you play. Your great man!
Excellents rythme et toucher ; bravo!!!!
100% w Vesuvius: every writer wants to be interpreted across instruments, decades, cultures and so on. Thought I got one over on you posting The Entertainer but here you are putting me in my place with undebatable prowess! And yet I love my agony!
GREATTT Performance!
You inspired me!Thanx!!
Superb playingtechnique en most important..great feel!!!(missing factor with many other musicians)Keep on going!!
edochio1967
I love the laid back, swingy feel to this arrangement.
Greatly played sir.
Regards,
Paul
great guitar playing, i like it
wow, thats beautiful tune and beautifully played.
Cheers,
alex
I like this performance. It would be great if you would do some more-ragtime really suits your style
I have to start learning this again on piano hahaha
I totally enjoy your playing. I had to subscribe to your videos. Again keep up the amzing work
Great playing and superb guitar!
brilliant as usual
your playing makes me smile :)
Fantastic..Genius feel! Bravo!
Beautiful
beautiful!
Really great style!
beautiful!!!
@rivertownsttc
thank you. be sure to check out my other Joplin
pieces as well as the user "plolax" who is the
guy who made this version for guitar.
This is soooo chill
yup. drop D. I think Paul Lolaz's book is out of print. check amazon or sheetmusicplus
Very Nice!
I love it!
that was amazing!
great performance !
Great performance, apart from the C# in the introduction.
I have become a fan of Troubleclef. Really inspiring, he had me retake fingerstyle guitar. Keep it up!
How are you now? It's been 8 years since I've seen this, I also like your Channel art that's my and my best friend's favorite tree/flower.
Hope you're doing well amidst the pandemic. Wish you the best!
yeah i played primarily classical for 20-25 years or so. will be posting more soon
excenlent playing man very fluid style you got there that is very har with that song in particular... hey were can i found that transcription i liked it a lot please tell me man
very nice, I'm playing that song on the piano.
nicely done. There is a lot of discussion about that piece in Glen Kurtz's memoir "Practicing" (Knopf Publishers).
Ah! I read it wrong. In the guitar score I have (key of G), the initial C# (opening 3 notes are d, c#, d) is never 'naturalled out' again...so one is supposed to realize that that means that all later notes in the c place on the staff are to be played in their rightful place in the key. I do that in the body of the piece but for the duration of the intro I must have thought that c# stays put. Just bad larnin'. Actual playing it right makes the passage easier, so THANKS again! cheers.
Wonderful rendition, as is the case with all of your videos!
Have you considered playing Joplin's "A Real Slow Drag" or Joseph Lamb's "Ragtime Nightingale"? Both of those pieces sound fantastic on guitar and, surprisingly, few people have posted versions of them to RUclips. I'd love to hear your renditions.
thanks Francisco
Great. Thank you. Another fine Joplin-Rag is "The Entertainer" performed by OK-Dreamband (iTunes, amazon).
thanks!
I have only recently begun to listen to the music you have been playing and I must say I love it. Your selection is beyond perfection and your playing is gorgeous. You are a great inspiration to those of us who are just learning how to play this wonderful instrument.
Do my ears deceive me or is this song in drop D tuning?
thanks
Fantastic
Nicely done. As I told "Gangly1", "Ragtime--genius music"
--Van
Your right hand looks so relaxed on these -- did you study classical guitar or something? I'm waiting for some new videos from you! They're great inspiration for my own practice regimen. Thanks...
I’m in love with him.
That’s all I want to say.
@MrSuppedraken
It's from a book of arrangements by Paul Lolax. You might check with him if he has any copies. RUclips username "plolax".
cheers. thanks.
thanks. check video details for all guitar info
any chance of tutorial video, ive looked all over for a tab but couldnt find one. also, nice!
I second that ...!
You're great!
Only problem is the intro, no big deal, awesome playing! I would've played this a bit faster but it sounds like a ballad at this tempo which is an interesting sound!
Hypnotizing
...love ragtime! Any kind of true rendition of classic ragtime for guitar is not for the faint of heart. ...looks like drop D tuning?
merci
Damn he's good!!
@JeremyPB1988
Haha, well thanks. that *was* a mistake though in the intro.
very nice and well done! do you have the tabs of this song? i would like to learn it, too.
Bravo !!
First of all, this is a really nice version of this Joplin work. Secondly, Joplin would never have played it like this. This version is more like how Jelly Roll Morton would have played it, laying way back in the measure and "jazzing" it. But, as I said, its a fine version of the tune. Have you tried "Solace"? Because it's a "Tango" it seems especially suited to the guitar.
sounds like a meditation on rag time music
Well played Sir.
nailed the 1st part having trouble with 2nd
Proper 👏👏
thanks. oh, absolutely, this is in no way a representation of proper ragtime. It's in swingtime, after all. I do this on this piece and on Heliotrope Bouquet (also posted here) because it works well and is not unheard of for a few of Joplin's things.
I've never played Solace (don't have the music). I've been working on Gladiolus Rag.